Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Where I've Been: Houston Quilt Market

The last month has been a whirlwind, and I wanted to give a quick update on where I've been and what's up next!

Fall Quilt Market in Houston

Well, I did it! I have to admit that I wasn't sure I'd make it through the gauntlet of exhaustion at Quilt Market (at 30 weeks pregnant), but I had the BEST time and met some lovely people, old friends and new, including Vanessa and my wonderful roomie Alyssa (to my left and right, above).

Writing a book, just like any creative work, involves a great deal of preparation and waiting. You put yourself out there in hopes that people will be receptive to what you have to share.

Photo taken by Felicia, who showed up at my book signing and posted a really nice Q&A with me on her blog today!

And then comes the biggest shock of all. People are lined up waiting for you at your book signing. Suddenly, you're holding a fine-tipped Sharpie. Taking it all in. And feeling so, so thankful for the love of people who supported you in taking that leap.

I also filmed a short video with Alex Anderson of The Quilt Show, which I'll be able to share in the coming weeks! For all my worries about making the trip, it was a blast getting to meet everyone at the book signing, the trade show floor and the fun mixer, Fabric 2.0. I left Houston, and my heart was full.

The show was pretty inspiring, too. I snapped a pic of the OLFA booth, which had my String Circles quilt from Modern Bee. This quilt features blocks made by my girls in the Indianapolis Modern Quilt Guild and will be auctioned off in 2014 to raise funds for the Indy-based Heroes Foundation,
which helps those affected by cancer through support, education and research.